Citizenship
Day 524, Saturday, Jan. 17
Acts 22:22-29
Never before in my lifetime have questions of citizenship been in the news as much as they are today. We seem to find new questions almost daily about what it means to be a citizen of our nation, who is a citizen and who isn’t, and what rules apply based on that question.
Rome was an empire. There was no question that different laws applied to those who were “real” citizens of Rome and those who were merely subjects of Rome. To those who lived outside the city of Rome itself citizenship was a rare status that had to be earned or bought. It provided legal protections not available to others.
When Paul faces the Roman commander, he uses his citizenship to his advantage.
We don’t know about Paul’s family, but the fact that he was born a Roman citizen tells us that they were of high social status. Paul’s father likely held a position of power, wealth or both.
Following up on yesterday’s reflection, this would mean that Paul was a man of high position in both Roman and Jewish culture. He was not just comfortable in both cultures—he was comfortable among the leaders of both cultures.
And, significantly, he was willing to use both his knowledge and his status in the service of the gospel rather than for his own personal benefit.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Saturday meditation

Psalms 66:1-12
Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.”
Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot—come, let us rejoice in him. He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations—let not the rebellious rise up against him.
Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.

Prayer focus
Am I willing to use all that I have been given, including status and position, in your service, God.